Bible Interpretation, Student Workbook, SW05

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B I B L E I N T E R P R E T A T I O N

D. Prophecy – those writings in the OT and NT which display God’s acute awareness and insight into our lives in every dimension (past, present, and future), and his foresight into this world in its coming destiny

1. Forth-telling – the communication of God’s present Word for a person or people in a particular situation in the form of warnings, encouragements, and challenges (e.g., Nathan and David)

2. Foretelling – the communication of God’s perspective and vision for a person or people concerning the future (e.g., Isaiah 11)

3. The prophetic office and prophecy are throughout the Scriptures.

a. Moses as the exemplar prophet (cf. Deut. 18.15-19)

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b. OT – the “major” and the “minor” prophets, Saul, Balaam

c. NT – Christ, the apostles, Anna, Agabus, Caiaphas

4. Characteristics of prophecy

a. Richly symbolic

b. Interweaving of history and prediction

c. Heavily focused on God’s moral blessing or indictment